Assistant Menard wardens resign

Menard Correctional Center is shown on a foggy morning on December 4, 2015.Herald Tribune File Photo

By Staff Report

Posted on 12/14/2016, 5:48 PM

The Illinois Department of Corrections has confirmed that two assistant Menard Correctional Center wardens have resigned from their positions at the prison.

"Doug Lyerla and William Rees were employed as assistant wardens of operations at Menard Correctional Center," said IDOC spokeswoman Nicole Wilson in a response to an emailed inquiry from the Herald Tribune. "They resigned on December 2nd.

"Alex Jones has been named acting assistant warden of operations at Menard Correctional Center."

IDOC did not state a reason for their resignations and said none would be provided, citing personnel policy.

"The IDOC does not discuss personnel matters and cannot provide any more information about the resignations," Wilson said.

In a Facebook post, dated Dec. 3 and signed "Doug and Bill," Lyerla expressed thanks to the Menard staff for their support of the pair.

"Thank you so much for the kind support you have given Bill and myself (Doug)," Lyerla wrote. "I know neither one of us are social media savvy.

"Both of us have never wanted anything but your safety and well being in our day to day decisions we have made throughout our career. All of you at Menard mean the world to us."

Lyerla went on to urge the Menard staff to "continue to be loyal to each other."

"No matter what," he wrote. "You have to have each other's back. We will miss you guys but please continue to stay in touch.

"With nothing but love from Bill (and) myself."

Jeff Hutchinson was named warden at Menard on Oct. 1, replacing former Warden Kim Butler.

Butler - who was Menard"s first female warden - was promoted to chief of programs and support services on April 16, but also remained as warden of Menard until a replacement was named.